Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left the door open after confirming he has huddled with the Browns.

"Yeah, we met," the former Canton McKinley quarterback said during a conference call Monday, "and that's about all there is at this point, and nothing further."

Key words: "... at this point."

McDaniels was reluctant to say much about his candidacy to be the Browns' next head coach. His team is preparing for a playoff game against the Colts. He was available only because the NFL requires coordinators to be available to media once a week until their season ends.

McDaniels gave long answers when asked about the Colts. He said little when asked about the Browns.

"I appreciate the question," he said. "I understand it. Umm ... I know ... I know that's something, um, that comes up each time this year for other coaches. The opportunities are certainly flattering if they come up.

"That being said, I'm going to try to keep my focus on the Colts and our preparation this week.

"Like I've said in the past, I'm fortunate to have the job I have. I love being here. I love doing what I'm doing. "Each opportunity that comes along is a little different and ... I'm going to leave it at that."

McDaniels, 37, is serving his second shift as Bill Belichick's offensive coordinator in New England.

He was head coach of the Broncos in 2009 and for 12 games in 2010 before he was fired.

He began working for Belichick in 2001, seven years after he was a senior quarterback at McKinley. He is well acquainted with Browns general manager Michael Lombardi, who worked with Belichick in Cleveland from 1991-95.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was part of the weekend interview with McDaniels. McDaniels declined an interview last year, when the Browns hired Rob Chudzinski.